For the second year in a row, United center back Steve Birnbaum will come into Florida training camp full of confidence following impressive performances with the United States Men's National Team. A year ago, the California native impressed then-head coach Jurgen Klinsmann in his international debut before scoring his first international goal a few days later. Fast forward to the present, and Birnbaum entered January camp as one of the more experienced players on the roster following his shifts in World Cup Qualifiers and the Copa America tournament.
This year, Birnbaum excelled at right-sided center back against Serbia and Jamaica and helped the United States keep clean sheets in both matches. The 2014 Rookie of the Year finalist was rewarded for his solid play by head coach Bruce Arena with the most playing time of any player on the roster; he was the only member of the squad to feature in all 180 minutes of the friendlies.
"As a center back, you’re constantly looking for shutouts," United head coach Ben Olsen said. "And, given the fact that he played with two different center back partners in a short amount of time, which isn’t easy, I thought he did very well and put himself in a good light.”
Birnbaum now rejoins his club team in Bradenton for the remainder of United's first preseason camp. The Black-and-Red train at IMG Academy before returning to Washington for a team event with season ticket members where the 2017 secondary jersey will be unveiled.
